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Delaware Valley Bicycle Club

HomeGroup Ride Guidelines

Group Ride Guidelines
   - Begin by choosing the Ride that is Right for you:

Ride Classifications

 

    

Class

Average

Speed (mph)

Description

Novice

N/A

For new, inexperienced riders or families. Frequent stops, as few hills as possible, trails and low traffic roads. No more than 15 miles.

C-

10-12

For slower riders, rest stops as needed, easy on the hills, low traffic roads. Up to 30 miles.

C

11-13

For average riders. Hills, low traffic and/or wide shoulder roads, all fair game. Up to 50 miles.

C+

12-14

For average to experienced riders, no limits on distance or hills as long as it’s posted. Roads could include more traffic. Rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

B-

13-15

For more experienced riders, no limits on distance or hills as long as it’s posted. Roads could include more traffic. Rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

B

14-16

For strong riders. Route and rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

B+

15-17

For strong riders. Route and rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

A-

16-18

For very strong riders. Route and rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

A

17+

For very strong riders. Route and rest stops at the discretion of the ride leader.

DVBC Group Ride Guidelines

3 Special Rules for navigating the impact of Covid:

Rule #1: Please stay home or ride solo if you have any Covid symptoms, have tested positive for Covid, or have been recently exposed to someone that has Covid.

 

Rule #2:  Pre-register for the ride on our event calendar.  Make sure you have signed the waiver and provided emergency contact information.

 

Rule #3:  Recommended maximum group size is 15, but the ride leader may restrict groups to fewer or allow more at their discretion.

  

 

General Rules for Group Rides


Be Prepared:  Arrive 15 minutes early with Bicycle in good working order, and with emergency information and tire repair kit available.  Wear a helmet, have front and rear lights on your bike, bring water and snacks.  A mirror is also highly suggested. 

Be Respectful:  Group rides can only be enjoyed by all when everyone is treated with dignity.  In addition, Riders must follow all the instructions the Ride Leader gives.  Unless you know the route, it's best if you stay behind the ride leader.  If you're out in front and miss a turn, you're on your own. 


Be Safe:  Be competent in your individual riding skills, be predictable, and follow the rules of the road.  A good source for these rules is the PA Bicycle Riders Manual  FYI, there are Novice level rides that are aimed at improving your skills - check the calendar.  In addition, Do Not call 'all clear', as the road conditions change constantly.  By the time the next rider arrives at an intersection, the intersection could look completely different.


Be Helpful:  Be a Team Player.  Announce your intentions to pass, move out, stop, slow or turn using Hand signals as well as verbal cues. Point out road hazards.  Let the ride leader know if someone has an issue.  Let the ride leader know if you decide to leave the group ride once it’s started.  Don't block the ride leader or other riders.  Pass only on the left, with a verbal warning.

Please understand that these rules are our best attempt to keep all our riders safe but still provide interesting and fun experiences to our members.

Note:  Your participation in group rides is at the discretion of the Ride Leaders.  Ride Leaders have the right to tell any rider not following instructions to leave the ride or to not allow a rider to join the ride if the Ride Leader believes it is not an appropriate ride for them.  In addition, DVBC reserves the right to cancel the membership of any rider who repeatedly fails to follow our guidelines or demonstrates unsafe practices.